Exploring Quality of Life in Acromegaly: The Role of Gender, Psychiatric Disorders, and Comorbidities
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: (1) Background: Acromegaly is a rare disease associated with multiple complications. Consequently, it has a high clinical burden, which leads to a lower quality of life (QoL). The Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL) is a specific tool developed to assess the impact of the disease on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Current research on anxiety has shown that higher levels of psychosocial factors are linked to a poorer quality of life. (2) Methods: Our study included 40 patients (26 women and 14 men) with a mean disease duration of 85.9 ± 97.7 months. Information about disease status, associated comorbidities, and clinical and paraclinical data was obtained. All patients completed the AcroQoL questionnaire. (3) Results: The lowest score was observed on the physical scale, while the least affected scale was personal relations. Biochemical parameters, biochemical control, and adenoma size were not associated with a lower QoL. Gender, age at diagnosis, and comorbidities, such as hypertension and arthropathy, were associated with a decrease in QoL. Additionally, the presence of anxiety and depression, which were mostly reported by women (30.7%), had a negative impact on the global QoL. (4) Conclusions: Early diagnosis of acromegaly can increase the QoL by preventing comorbidities, but there are also non-modifiable factors that have been associated with a decreased QoL. Preventing depression and anxiety could serve as important targets for future interventions.
Source: Psychiatry International
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4411582808